The organization of supply workers in state schools and the National Health Service: a comparison

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Abstract
Supply teachers are playing a growing role in many schools in England and Wales as a result of staff shortages and the demands of in‐service training. However, little research has been conducted into this section of the teaching force. This paper uses data gained from a comparative case‐study of cover arrangements in a local education authority and a district health authority to identify several major factors which affect the organization of supply workers. A comparative approach helps identify problems which are specific to education, and those shared by at least one other local sector of the welfare state. It also aids an examination of the degree to which LEAs can control the organization and supply of cover staff. The paper concludes by arguing that the present government's commitment to the Local Management of Schools will make it more difficult for LEAs to provide schools with numerical, functional or financial flexibility through the employment of supply teachers.

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